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DMcCunney
Captain of the List
Posts: 453
Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2012 2:49 am
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While speculations on the conversation Merlin will have with Earl Thirsk are fun, I'm actually more curious about the conversations Thirsk will have in consequence with Bishop Maik.
We know Thirsk is thoroughly dismayed by what he's been required to do in Mother Church's service, aside from what it's cost him personally. He's been forced to sacrifice everything he holds dear, and see his own honor, his navy's honor, and the honor of his kingdom likely permanently stained by the actions he's been commanded to take. He has carried on only because he has sworn oaths, and it's been unthinkable to break them.
Now consider Bishop Maik. He's a Scheulerite and a member of the Inquisition. He's the Intendant for the Dohlaran Navy. He's also well aware of Thirk's feelings, but has been carefully protecting him as much as he can, knowing too well that Clyntahn wants Thirsk dead and only awaits a decent time to do it without undesirable fallout. We also have hints that Maik is less than happy about what his priestly superior and head of the Inquisition is doing, and may see only defeat and ruin and the permanent schism of Mother Church, if not its outright destruction, should things continue as they are now. He, too, has sworn personal oaths, in his case to Zhaspar Clyntahn.
The issue with solemn oaths it what happens when it's simply no longer possible to keep them.
I think Thirsk is already at that point, and the threat to his family was the only thing keeping him in line. Merlin will tell him that while the ship transporting them to Zion did indeed go down with all hands, his family was not aboard when it happened, because Merlin and a fellow Seijin got them off before it was sunk, and they are on their way to sanctuary in Tellesberg, under the protection of Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan. Thirsk is now free to act based on his conscience.
I don't see Thirsk not believing Merlin. What he already knows about Merlin is that whatever he is, Merlin isn't a liar, and wouldn't have taken the risk of seeing Thirsk in person just to tell him a lie. (For that matter, Thirsk will already be aware that whatever the Inquisition might say, the Empire of Charis has never lied in any public statements it has made, but he's well aware the Inquisition lies routinely. This will give additional weight to Merlin's arguments.)
The question is what Maik thinks at this point. Given the consistent defeats the forces of Mother Church have suffered in battle against the Empire of Charis, with a only few engagements against the ICN by the Dohlaran Navy that might count as victories, various folks within the Church as well as supporters without have to be wondering if God and the Archangels are really on their side, and if they are, why they haven't already intervened. And more than a few folks are drawing a distinction between Mother Church and Zhaspar Clyntahn, with the suspicion that perhaps, just perhaps, Clyntahn was mistaken in his claims of rampant heresy that must be countered, and that he is leading Mother Church and all of Safehold to ruin in consequence.
(More cynical and well placed observers have likely already come to the conclusion that it's really about power, and if his plans come to fruition. Zhaspar Clyntahn will be the absolute ruler of all of Safehold, supported by the power of the Inquisition. Emperors, Kings and Princes will merely reign, and do so only so long as they are properly obedient. Such observers can't be happy, though they will be quite, um, circumspect about voicing their suspicions.)
I don't see Thirsk concealing Merlin's visit from Bishop Maik. I think Thirsk's remaining honor will compel him to tell Maik that Merlin paid him a visit and what he said, and state "You've known for some time how I feel, yet you've supported me and protected me from your own superiors. I now know my family is safe, and I can do as my conscience bids me. I don't know yet what I might do, but I owe you the truth in return for how you've helped me. If you choose to turn me over the the Inquisition to face the Question and likely the Punishment, I'll understand, but I can no longer carry on as I have."
If Maik is as unhappy as he might be, admits it to Thirsk, and agrees that he can't continue to do what his superior commands, because it goes against the Writ and his vows as a priest, and he sees only ruin resulting, interesting things might result.
(I don't see a present need for continuing regular communication between Merlin and Thirsk. At the moment, a simple "Your family is safe, and you don't have to worry about them" will vastly relieve Thirsk. It will also make it less likely that he'll do anything that threatens Charis, since that's where his family will be. Merlin and company can then sit back to see what Thirsk might do. Whatever it is, I don't see it harming Charis. I do see it screwing over Clyntahn.)
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Dennis
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